Read Online Wish of the Heart by Malia Mallory - Free Book Online Page B

Cruz’s wife.
    “Who is this?”
    “Macie. Macie Connor.”
    “Oh, I’m sorry. I guess you haven’t heard.”
    “Haven’t heard what?” Macie braced for the bad news she sensed coming.
    “My uncle. He’s in the hospital.” The woman’s voice wobbled. “He had a stroke.”
    “What? I’m so sorry.” Macie was stunned. She imagined Cruz waiting at home with his dog and coffee.
    “I’m on my way out now,” the woman explained.
    “I won’t keep you. Thank you for letting me know.” Macie hung up, stunned. She’d never considered a backup option. “He’s in the hospital.” She turned her shocked eyes toward Rylan.
    He took her hands. “Hey, it’s okay. We’ll figure out something else.”
     
    ~ * ~ * ~
     
    Rylan walked Macie into the lobby of her office. Building security was tight. No one was admitted to the elevator bank without an employee picture ID. Guests signed in at the security desk.
    They’d debated all during breakfast the advisability of Macie going in to work. Rylan wanted her to call in sick. Macie thought it would look too suspicious.
    Macie snapped her fingers. “The security desk. Of course.”
    Macie walked to the security desk and Rylan followed in her wake. “Hey, Dave.”
    “Hey, Ms. Connor. Looks like a nice day today, doesn’t it?” Dave was a friendly sort, but he took his job seriously.
    “It does. You know, Dave, a week or so ago, a client dropped by our office for an appointment. There were so many people in and out that day, I can’t recall his name and honestly,” her voice lowered to a whisper, “I’m embarrassed to ask my boss.”
    Dave nodded. “You want to see the security log? He would have produced ID and signed in.”
    “Dave, you would be doing me such a favor.” Macie tried to look suitably grateful.
    “No problem.” He lifted the thick, black binder onto the ledge. Ragged edged papers crammed the rings.
    Macie flipped back to the day she received the threatening note. Her finger scanned down the list of names, stopping as a familiar one jumped out.
    “Thanks, Dave.” She knew it. Macie only wished she’d thought of the log before now.
    “You found what you needed?” Dave asked.
    “Yeah.” Macie gave him a big smile.
    Macie turned and whispered, “Jerry was in the building that day.”
    “Who’s that?” Rylan asked.
    “My sister’s boss.”
     
    ~ * ~ * ~ 
     
    Macie searched for Petry’s card. It was somewhere in her purse, but her purse was a jumble of items that seemed to rearrange themselves of their own free will. Her fingers found the edge of the cardstock and pulled it free.
    Detective Petry had written a cell number on the back, and she dialed it.
    “Petry.” His clipped voice came over the line.
    “Um, this is Macie Connor,” she stammered. Somehow she didn’t think Petry would be as understanding as Cruz, and she’d expected a thorough scolding from Cruz.
    “Ms. Connor, what can I do for you?” Petry didn’t seem surprised to be hearing from her.
    “I have some things I need to discuss with you.” She didn’t want to try to explain on the phone. It would be easier to show him.
    “About your car?” Petry asked.
    “Yeah.” And more, Macie added silently. Much more.
    “Do you want to come to the station?” Petry offered.
    “If you could meet me, that would be better.” Macie crossed her fingers.
    The sound of papers shuffling came through the line. “Shall I come to your apartment?”
    “No, I’m staying at the Crestview.” Macie was tired of the tiny hotel room. She’d be grateful to get back home.
    “You’re staying at a hotel?” Petry asked.
    “Yes.” Rylan squeezed Macie’s hand.
    “Any particular reason?” Petry sounded curious now.
    “I’ll tell you when you get here, is that all right?”
    “Yeah, okay. I have a few things I need to take care of, but I can be there in a couple hours. Does that work?”
    “Yes. I’ll be waiting.” Now that a breakthrough was so close, waiting was